Delaware Code Title 25 Sec. 5504 – Defense to an action for waste
(a) It shall be a complete defense to any action, suit or proceeding for waste if the tenant alleges and establishes that the tenant notified the landlord a reasonable time in advance of the repair, alteration or replacement and that such repair, alteration or replacement:
(1) Is one which a prudent owner of an estate in fee simple absolute of the affected property would be likely to make in view of the conditions existing on or in the neighborhood of the affected property; or
(2) Has not reduced the market value of the reversion or other interest of the plaintiff; and
(3) If the conditions set forth in paragraph (a)(1) or (a)(2) of this section exist, and the landlord makes a demand that the tenant posts security to protect against a failure to complete the proposed work, and against any responsibility for expenditures incident to the making of such proposed repairs, alterations or replacements as the court demands.
Terms Used In Delaware Code Title 25 Sec. 5504
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- Fee simple: Absolute title to property with no limitations or restrictions regarding the person who may inherit it.
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
(b) This section shall not be interpreted to bar an action for damages for breach of a written rental agreement nor bar an action or summary proceeding based on breach of a written rental agreement.